Two Eden Prairie High School seniors who are outstanding in both athletics and academics – Laura Weber and Ryan Grant – were named winners of the Golden Eagle Awards this morning.

Twenty finalists for the annual award were recognized by the Eden Prairie (A.M.) Rotary Club, which has been presenting Golden Eagle Awards since 1989. Students are scored on a point system that takes into account their performance in the classroom and in sports during grades 9-12. The top male and top female each win a trophy and $1,000 scholarship.

Weber has been a multiple letter winner and team captain in swimming, basketball, and track and field at EPHS. She has an overall grade-point average of 3.83 out of 4. Weber will attend Minnesota State University, Mankato next fall and play basketball.

Grant has been a multiple letter winner and team captain in football, basketball, and track and field. He has an overall GPA of 3.88 and will attend the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he will play football.

They were hailed by their coaches as not only great students and athletes, but great individuals who are models for others.

Female finalists for the award in addition to Weber were Rachel Edwards, Melissa Feste, Elizabeth Gelle, Lauren Kruse, Nicole Ludwigson, Laura Platner, Lauren Rantala, Kelly Seeler, and Natalie Stoll.

Male finalists for the award in addition to Grant were Christopher Beard, Carter Bykowski, Justin Eglseder, Zachary Kallas, Bradley Knudsen, Scott Lindner, Jason Mooty, Erik Soderberg, and Matthew Swanson.